Reflections of a Pharmacy Practice Resident

ADS – Fluids and Sodium balance Part 2

This ADS focussed predominantly on the effects of sodium disturbances. This was a bit challenging for me to wrap my head around, as it required me to incorporate the fluid disturbances taught last week and build on that with sodium disturbances. However, we were provided with cases to practice which I plan to do, and hope to become more proficient at coming up with the therapeutic recommendation for fluid replacement or restriction or diuresis therapies.

Below are the notes that I found most useful from the ADS that I intend on being mindful of when I interact with patients with fluid and electrolyte disturbances.

Notes about hypertonic (3%) Na+ – has ~514mmol of Na/L: if you put 1 L of 3% NaCl (e.g. in a 45kg person) you will increase the sodium by 20.5mmol/L… this is huge and can cause mortality! We usually aim for 0.5-2 mmol/L